Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, founder of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), has stated that the party will not follow Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso in his planned defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Aniebonam’s clarification came after Kwankwaso formally announced his resignation from the NNPP on Sunday, citing strategic realignment and a desire to join a party that could effectively advance his political agenda.
Kwankwaso is set to officially join the ADC on March 30.
In a statement, Aniebonam emphasized that most NNPP members, including its sole governor Yusuf Ahmed of Kano State, had already moved to the All Progressives Congress (APC) due to ongoing legal disputes within the party.
He noted that only members of the Kwankwasiya movement might follow Kwankwaso to the ADC.
Aniebonam underscored that those expelled for anti-party activities, including Kwankwaso and his allies, would not be readmitted to the NNPP.
He also stated that the party has started consultations with aspirants for the 2027 presidential elections, ensuring candidates go through proper primaries rather than automatic nomination.
He described Kwankwaso’s departure as a relief, saying it would allow the NNPP to focus on unifying the party and strengthening its position ahead of upcoming elections.
Aniebonam concluded by stressing that while the NNPP is open to collaborations with parties of similar ideologies, such decisions will be determined by party members in the lead-up to the 2027 elections.
